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Paolo Maldini Appointed Technical Director of Italian Football Federation, Leonardo to Advise
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Paolo Maldini Appointed Technical Director of Italian Football Federation, Leonardo to Advise

From Cooperativa · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Football legend Paolo Maldini has been appointed as the technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
  • Leonardo, a former player and sporting director, will serve as an advisor to Maldini in the role.
  • The four-year appointment aims to oversee the technical sector for both the senior national team and all youth selections, with a focus on preparing for the 2030 World Cup.

Italian football icon Paolo Maldini is set to take on a new leadership role as the technical director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The announcement was made by the FIGC, confirming that Leonardo, another prominent figure in football, will join as an advisor.

Maldini has always been my objective, I thought he could be the right person to supervise the technical sector of the FIGC, which involves not only the senior national team but the entire chain of youth selections.

— Giovanni MalagòPresident of the Italian Football Federation, explaining the rationale behind Maldini's appointment.

Maldini accepted the offer extended by FIGC President Giovanni Malagò. Malagò stated that Maldini was his "objective" and believed he was the "right person to supervise the technical sector of the FIGC." This sector encompasses not only the senior national team but also the entire structure of youth selections. Malagò expressed his satisfaction with Maldini's willingness to involve Leonardo, recognizing the demanding nature of the role.

The collaboration is a four-year commitment, with the goal of guiding the Italian teams towards the 2030 World Cup, following their recent qualification struggles. Italy's national team has faced significant setbacks, including missing the 2026 World Cup after a penalty shootout loss in the European qualifiers. This appointment signals a strategic effort to rebuild and strengthen the technical direction of Italian football across all age groups.

In two weeks we talked about all the projects, we went into detail and Paolo immediately told me he would be delighted to involve Leonardo as an advisor, because the job is very demanding and challenging.

— Giovanni MalagòPresident of the Italian Football Federation, discussing the process of securing Maldini and Leonardo for the roles.

Malagò conveyed his high regard for Leonardo and expressed happiness at his involvement. The FIGC is looking to leverage the extensive experience of both Maldini and Leonardo to revitalize the national team's performance and development pipeline, aiming for sustained success in major international tournaments.

I am happy, because I have a deep esteem for Leonardo. There is a four-year commitment that must take us from here to 2030 to the next World Cup, passing through the European Championship.

— Giovanni MalagòPresident of the Italian Football Federation, expressing confidence in the new team and the long-term vision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cooperativa in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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